PORTFOLIO
So Cal Sanctuary
"...Our home was an absolute sanctuary for us all through 2020. Thanks to you."
This client came to me initially to work on a space for her aging mother that had recently moved into their home. Her mother's space needed to meet such a variety of functions--health, mobility, storage and beauty--within a certain number of square feet, that it was a real puzzle. And I LOVE interior design puzzles. With some work, I solved the puzzle and her mother felt like a queen in her new space. Thus began our working relationship. And it has only gotten better. Since then, we have reworked the living/dining space, the master suite and most recently, during the pandemic, the client's personal lounge.
As 2020 came to a close she sent me this note:
"As we head into the new year, I have to stop and say thank you again. All during this year of quarantine, I have had the pleasure of being inside my house. I've had the joy of spending hours in the rooms you created for me...I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get to live in such stunning rooms. Our home was an absolute sanctuary for us all through 2020. Thanks to you."
Missoula Makeover
"..as I opened your email and saw the office, I said "aaahh ooooo!" which means I really like it and I should just stop second guessing myself."
A delightful young woman found herself overwhelmed with all the decisions demanding her attention as she and her husband undertook the remodeling of their Missoula home. Her architect and builder had done great work in listening to their needs as a family of six and I joined this project about half-way into the remodel. The client wanted to make sure that the entire space worked well together and that the decisions she was making were going to be cohesive in the end. As we worked together I provided design boards and models that helped her to visualize each space as well as communicate that vision to all involved. We laughed and commiserated as we both juggled kids and life and summer trips.
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Just after she saw the design for her office space off the kitchen area, she triumphantly messaged:
"I DID IT! I just went in and bought all of the office stuff the same day that we talked and I'm excited! That will be really fun."
Port Townsend in a Pandemic
"I really appreciate how thoughtful you are with the options."
This family came to me a few months into the Covid-19 Pandemic. During the initial lockdown they discovered that their Victorian Uptown home did not serve them well as a family that now spent the majority of their time cooped up together. They searched the peninsula for something that met their current needs and then called me in for assistance. During our initial consultation I remember the client saying "This isn't our dream home, but it is our dream pandemic home." So we went from there, designing the space to better meet the needs of growing children and parents working from home.
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After the design phase was complete and the client was working on executing our plans, we ran into supply chain and product availability issues. I was there all along the way, sourcing alternative pieces that would work with our overall scheme. Occasionally there would be budgetary questions and the client would ultimately make the decision of which path to follow. At one point, after making such a decision she said:
"...even if that puts me over budget that would be fine. I really appreciate how thoughtful you are with the options."
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Second Chance in Spokane
"I cannot tell you how excited I am to get started on the basement apartment!"
A friend of mine reached out to me just after we moved to Spokane to see if I could help her redesign a space for her and her three daughters. She has recently become a single mother and her parents have graciously offered the basement of their home as safe place for these ladies to land while they regroup and figure out this new life. Because we live in the same city, I could visit the space and walk through it with her to discuss their needs and wishes.
The client is excited to work with her father as they tackle this project in true DIY form. The first, and most important room for this family, is a large common space that needs to be used for work, play, and relaxation. Homeschooling space, a play area for the littlest and a spot for mom to work were paramount to success in their day to day life.
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After my friend watched the video in which I presented the design she said
"The girls LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their creativity/work space!"